Exercise of the Week: Elevated Plank Mountain Climbers

Sometimes you've got to work with what you've got. When you don't have your gym equipment to get your workout on there are a lot of things you can do using what you have around you. This weeks exercise of the week comes from this sort of a situation. I would normally do these with a bench at the gym, but a chair or step works perfectly.

STEP 1: Start in an elevated push up position with your feet on top of the chair/stair. 

 Make sure your core is tight (tight abs/tight glutes) and your shoulders are pressed down and back. Keep your butt down and flat so your whole body is in line. 

STEP 2: Bring your right leg into your chest as tight as you can, keeping your hips down as much as you can. Return your right leg back to the chair.

 

 STEP 3: Bring your left leg into your chest and then return it back to the chair.

Try these out! They are an AWESOME core workout. Shoot for doing 10-20 reps on each side, and if you feel like you can handle more than that go for it. If you want to add a challenge to a push up in between each rep of one right knee/left knee.

It's easy to use vacation as a reason not to move, and sometimes I think that is a great break for your body! However, if you are still wanting to workout there are lots of things you can do to get your workout on without any equipment at all! Click HERE or HERE for some more vacation workout tips. This morning Benita and I did yoga on the balcony with the ocean breeze and the warm sun making the perfect addition to our sun salutation. Working out with the beach to your side and the sound of crashing waves in the background is rough...have I said I'm going to miss this place?

Cause I am. 

Aside from the normal running/walking/biking/swimming in pools etc...have you ever worked out outside? I remember seeing those infomercials of people working out on the beach when I was younger, and I always thought it made it look so much more fun. Well I agree now. Doing yoga outside was so peaceful and serene. Doing some strength training outside was fun too. I could get used to that. I hope you are having an awesome week! I go home tomorrow, and I'm trying to not think about it. Real life sounds like something I did so long ago... ;)